The problem of evil in the thought of Abū al-ʿAlā al-Maʿarrī

Every sentient being is inevitably exposed to suffering and evil in the world. Consequently, the Problem of Evil concerns the suffering of all sentient beings. This issue, regarded as a negative assessment of God's existence, is widely acknowledged as a serious challenge to theistic beliefs. This study first critically examines the traditional reading of the Problem of Evil. After arguing that the problem is not solely a concern for theists, the study explores how the Arab philosopher and poet Abū al-ʿAlā al-Maʿarrī (973–1057) approached this issue. Born in Maʻarratu'n-Nuʻman, a town in present-day Idlib, Syria, located between Aleppo and Homs, Maʿarrī stands out as a distinctive and critical figure within the Islamic intellectual tradition. His reflections on the Problem of Evil diverge from the dominant perspectives of his time, offering deeper reading due to his persistent engagement with the subject. The first section of this study delves into Maʿarrī's life in detail to ensure a proper understanding of his thought, providing insights into the era and the city in which he lived. The second section outlines the general framework of his philosophy. The third and final section examines his views on the Problem of Evil. This section emphasizes that al-Maʿarrī did not attribute evil to God but rather linked its occurrence to the movements of celestial spheres. The study also examines Maʿarrī's view that the wisdom behind God's permission of evil lies beyond human understanding. At the same time, it emphasizes his argument that the evils resulting from the arbitrary movements of the celestial spheres are undesirable not only to human beings but also to God. Accordingly, the section explores the suffering-focused ethical framework Maʿarrī developed in response to the existence of evil.